The main event of WWE SmackDown on September 26 at the Kia Center in Orlando was defined by controversy, injury, and confrontation. Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women’s Championship, but the contest was overshadowed by a major error from Nia Jax and a legitimate injury to Jade Cargill.
The pivotal mistake came during a pinfall attempt. Stratton covered Jax, and the referee counted to two before pausing awkwardly instead of completing the three. Jax had failed to kick out in time, forcing a brief exchange between her and the official before the action continued.
Despite the disruption, Stratton ultimately prevailed. She connected with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Jax to secure the decisive fall and keep her title.
Her victory celebration was interrupted moments later by Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The two champions faced off in the ring, raising their belts in a tense staredown as SmackDown went off the air.
The bout also saw Cargill hurt in a sequence at ringside. She tried to lift Jax onto her shoulders, but Jax countered and threw her onto the steel steps. The impact split Cargill’s eyebrow, and medical staff rushed in to check on her.
The chaotic atmosphere included multiple dramatic near-finishes. At one point, Cargill appeared to have the championship won after hitting Stratton with the Jaded, but Jax yanked the referee out of the ring before the three-count could be completed.